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Monday, September 30, 2013

One of the freshest and most beautiful Paris Fashion Week shows
was the Issey Miyake collection for S/S ’14, which had a totally unique hair look that was
both beautiful and bold to match. Created by Eugene Souleiman, Global Creative
Director, Wella Professionals, it was called the “Minimal Mohawk” and despite
the name could definitely translate from the runway to “real way” with aplomb.

“When is a Mohawk, not a Mohawk?” asked Souleiman, and the
answer was clearly, “when it sits between two beautifully crafted French
Pleats, to form a hair look that is both sophisticated yet at the same time,
deeply cool”. He said that he wanted to create a look that was strong and tough
but at the same time elegant and chic - “something that utilised old
hairdressing techniques but applied in a more contemporary way”.

The resulting hair look mirrored the play on light within
the collection and looked incredible from every angle.

To get the look:

1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair, using
Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner, to ensure hair is in
perfect condition

2. Spray the hair with Wella Professionals Perfect Setting
Blow Dry Lotion, and dry back away from the face, creating a clean silhouette

3. Section off the hair on both sides of the head, leaving a
panel of hair through the middle section

4. One side at a time, gently backcomb the hair section by
section, back-combing only the first 10-15cm, spraying with Wella Professionals
Stay Styled Hairspray as you go

5. With a soft brush, brush this side section of hair,
spraying with more Wella Professionals Stay Styled hairspray, and pulling it
back to create a clean, sharp side section

6. Twist the hair into a French pleat and pin in place
with hair grips

7. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the
head

8. To style the middle section, spray Wella Professionals
Stay Styled Hairspray into the roots of the front of the hair and brush
backwards to create a smooth clean finish at the front

9. Gently brush the middle section of hair backwards,
positioning the ‘mohawk’ between the two French Pleats

10. Finally, spritz Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz Beach
Texture Spray lightly through the ends of the hair to create a dry, slightly
static quality to the hair which contrasts against the clean shine of the side
sections

Friday, September 27, 2013

For Spring/Summer 2014 the always-ethereal Blumarine got
dreamy on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week with an outing of ultra-feminine
looks embellished with flowers and butterflies. Moroccanoil’s James Pecis was
on hand to create an equally gorgeous hair look, which is exactly how many
women I know want their own locks to look - every day of the year.

Pecis created loosely waved, natural-looking styles that
were romantic yet also a little bit rock n’ roll - classic Blumarine girl if
ever I saw it. Unparted hair was pulled off the face, drawn close to the sides,
and casually released to flow down the back. “We did looks that emphasized
moving, rich, beautiful hair that was glamorous and sexy as well as cool,” said
Pecis, to which I immediately asked, "how can I do that too please Mr. Pecis?"

The answer is:

1. “I started by dampening the hair with water and added
Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream at the roots.”

2. “I brushed the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream
through to create a smooth, healthy-looking hold, then continued with a classic
blowdry, using the Moroccanoil XL-PRO Paddle Brush and new Moroccanoil 2000
Professional Series Hair Dryer.”

3. “Next, I used a 1-inch curling iron, alternating
directions to create loose, natural waves, and pinned each curl into place for
a light, classic set.”

4. “Once the hair had set, I brushed it out with the
Moroccanoil XL-PRO Paddle Brush and sprayed Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray
onto my hands. Then I finger-combed it through to prevent any static or
flyaways.”

5. “To give the hair a more lived-in look, I used the
Moroccanoil 2000 Professional Series Hair Dryer and Moroccanoil XL-PRO Paddle
Brush to "stretch" out the curl. I then sprayed Moroccanoil Luminous
Hairspray Medium on my fingertips and pushed them through the sides of the hair
for a tougher-feeling to the look.”

6. “I then stitched an elastic thread vertically down
the middle of the back of the hair to hold it together and contain it. This
allowed movement with control. An easy alternate way to achieve this same
effect would be to use pins underneath the hair.”

7. “Finally, minutes before the girls walked, I lightly
sprayed on Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium after I adjusted last minute
details and placement.”

Finally we’re seeing a little sun today, which for me is a
reminder that summer is - maybe? - on its way and new sunscreen needs to go on
the shopping list. Most last twelve months max after being opened, so if you’re
still got some sitting around in your beach bag from this time last year then
chuck it - ASAP!

That also means I get a few new sunscreen formulas coming
across my desk, and one that I can tell is a winner is Neutrogena’s new Beach Defence
from the dermatologist recommended suncare brand. With SPF 50 it is high enough
to really make a difference, and works to combat the effect of prolonged
exposure to water and the sun, both of which affect the permeability of the
skin’s barrier and make us more susceptible to UV rays. It’s formulated with
the brand’s famous Helioplex Technology - which harnesses the power of two
sunscreens, Azovenzone and Oxybenxzone - so forms a broad spectrum UVA and UVB
protective barrier that has been clinically proven time and time again to help
skin defend against summer elements. It not only protects skin against
photodamage (yes!), premature aging (double yes!), and sunburn (essential); but
even reduces the amount of free radicals released into the skin - amazing.

From an initial play it’s also lightweight on the skin and
fast absorbing, and has a 4-hour sweat and water-resistant formula. It’s also available
in two family sized formulations – a convenient and easy to use spray for
effective sun protection on the go, or the sizeable lotion that is perfect to
have on hand for sharing. The fact that it’s hypoallergenic, oil-free and PABA
free makes it even more kid friendly too.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Many women out there hadn’t even experienced a good hair day
before the arrival of the now-legendary ghd, now the brand is synonymous with
luscious, kick ass locks.

The hair styling superbrand ghd has declared tomorrow - Friday
27th September - as the second annual National Good Hair Day (NGHD), which is a
day they created for “uniting ghd fans to celebrate the confidence that a good
hair day brings.” Can’t argue with that!

In honour of National Good Hair Day, ghd and its salon
partners have a number of ways for devotees to get on board, including a nationwide
Instagram competition encouraging ghd fans to have their 15 seconds of ghd fame
by following @ghdnz on Instagram and uploading a video showing (and telling)
what a ‘good hair day’ feels like with the hash tag #NGHD.

The top five videos will win the ultimate ghd styling pack
including a ghd eclipse styler, ghd air professional hairdryer and a selection
of ghd styling products and brushes - so get ‘gramming!

The famous ghd styler exchange is also back by popular
demand offering $40 off selected ghd stylers when trading in any old electrical
hair styling appliances at participating ghd salons until September 30.

Follow ghd New Zealand on Facebook www.facebook.com/ghdNewZealand,
Twitter (@ghd_nz) or

The first thing I fell in love with when it
comes to Karen Murrell’s new lipstick colour Scarlett Blaze was the packaging -
pure, unadulterated retro gorgeousness! She was inspired by the “total opulence,
glitz and glamour of the 1920’s,” but to me it looks like a seriously fabulous
Studio 54 era babe, and I guess women of both scenes spent time at endless
parties, had luxurious lifestyles and drank, danced and slicked on rich and
vividly coloured lipstick.

It’s definitely a ‘statement’ shade rather
than a neutral, a velvety deep cerise/plum colour that is richer than any of
the reds that Karen has designed before, and absolutely beautiful. It would be
perfect worn alone over summer with just bronzer and mascara, or teamed with a
smokey eye after hours at any time of year. And like all Karen Murrell lipsticks,
it contains no animal based materials - thumbs up to that! What it does contain is yummy stuff like
Avocado Oil to provide moisture, nourishment and hydration, Cinnamon for
fuller, plumper lips, Omega 6-rich Evening Primrose Oil and Carnauba Wax; meaning
it’s hard-wearing in even the roughest handbag.

Scarlett Blaze is in store October 1, I
highly recommend that you check it out!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

I love nothing better than discovering a new
product range that I fall hopelessly head over heels for, and always get an
extra surge of amour when it is a) ‘clean’ of all nasties and b) made in New
Zealand!

The latest to knock me off my feet is Temple Tonic organic body oils, a
collection of luxurious, organic body oils made in New Zealand. If the
season- and the formula - is
right I’ll always choose an oil over any other method of moisturising my body,
and these contain antioxidant rich natural extracts that are not often found body
care products, along with carefully selected base oils and essential oils that
feel and smell incredible.

The Temple Tonic oil I’ve been using is a
warm Vanilla & Cocoa, and has been just the ticket for smoothing on after a
shower in the morning for a brilliant pick me up. It would also make a great
massage oil and the hydration levels last all day - a total bonus if you have
dry skin like me.

All Temple Tonic Body Oils are suitable for
all skin types and not tested on animals, and are made up of natural and
organic ingredients that are kind on your system and the planet. They even come
packaged in recyclable frosted glass bottles so look as gorgeous in the
bathroom as they feel on the skin!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

When I first started driving from my home in Ponsonby to
Lissy Hunter Body, Nail and Skincare - a beautiful boutique beauty therapy
salon located in Kohimarama - for regular treatments people looked at me like I
was mad. The average Aucklander hates traveling beyond their suburb at the best
of times, but for a pedicure? For a facial?

Some commented that to drive all that way she must be very good
at what she does and she most definitely is - and even came recommended by long
time key player in industry. When she took on another therapist this year it
was a big deal as Lissy is so key to her business, but I was pretty excited to
find out why when I was invited along to have a facial with Sarah a couple of
weeks ago.

The facial in question was a Priori Coffeeberry Yoga Power
Facial, which also came along with a lot of recommendations. Made up of over 90
per cent natural ingredients including Coffeeberry itself, Priori’s CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals
range is bliss to use, and the facials will help you look and feel good
naturally, with benefits that include tightening, toning and releasing tension.
The synergetic effects of detoxification, massage, lifting techniques and
increased circulation aims to leave your skin with a natural lift and smoother
lines, and the process includes everything from massage to exfoliation,
tightening and more. It’s suitable for most skin types too, and Coffeeberry is
packed with 10 times more potent antioxidants than green tea so you know it’s
going to make a difference.

The treatment began with a gentle opening massage to align
the body and induce relaxation, then

Papaya and Pumpkin Enzymes were used to gently slough dead
skin cells whilst Coffeeberry Extract lightened, tightened and brightened the
skin. Priori’s Tightening Serum was layered on to give an instant lift to the
skin, then Brightening Facial Complex was added to fight dark spots whilst to
finish, the Day Complex nourishes and protects.

The facial had a huge massage element that I love, and I
find my skin reacts really well to just a big boost of TLC. I also left feeling
almost heady with relaxation, and definitely of the mindset that when she’s out
of the clinic and Sarah is in charge, it is most definitely in good hands.

To book in with Lissy or Sarah for any number of beautiful
treatments, find their contact details here.

The first thing I noticed about Wella Luxe Oil was the smell
- when stylist Ivan Leong from Stephen Marr first massaged it into my hair my
heart soared! Like fresh cherries and then some, it also came with some kick
ass hair benefits, some of which I’ll outline below.

A totally luxurious hair oil created to “transform and
condition damaged hair”, the SP Luxe Oil gets to work with results after just
one application, leaving your hair texture reportedly up to 10 times smoother. Think
healthy, natural and beautiful hair that is manageable to style every day… and
then some.

Ingredients include Argan, Jojoba and Almond Oils, and it
works just as efficiently on curls- to add definition - as fine hair, when it controls flyaways like you
wouldn’t believe. You can also use it wet or dry, meaning it’s up there with
the best multitaskers when used correctly.

To use on wet hair, after shampooing apply 2–3 drops through
the mid-lengths and ends. Hair quality feels instantly improved as it protects
Keratin and provides long-lasting smoothness on curls or finer locks. It also creates
an invisible hair shield if you work a small amount through damp hair, use a
wide-toothed comb to gently remove any tangles, and dry.

You can use it on dry hair as a pre-shampoo treatment left in
for 5–10 minutes and combed through before shampooing, or to control dry,
frizzy hair, apply a few drops of SP LUXE OIL after blowdrying. Last up, you
can use it to treat hair overnight. Apply evenly through the hair before going
to bed then in the morning, either leave in or rinse out. Amazing stuff.

Monday, September 23, 2013

I believe that if there is one make up product you should
invest seriously in, it has got to be foundation... Of course having good skin
to begin with is an added bonus (a lot of my peers would attest to that!) but
because not everyone is blessed with perfect skin every day, having the right
foundation is an absolute essential.

When I was in London recently I picked up a bottle of Givenchy
Photo’Perfexion fluid foundation SPF20, which came highly recommended by a
friend in the know and accompanied by the claim that it gives you the ‘perfect
skin quality obtained with digital touch ups’. Who doesn’t want that?

Essentially, it is a beautiful to use formula that works
like a concealer to correct imperfections, smooth the skin's texture, and even
out the complexion - but without the feeling or the look of having caked it on.
Photo'Perfexion conceals dark shadows and sallow complexions with ease, and
goes on smooth and velvety every time with a flawless finish.

What impressed me the most is that not only does it blend
like a dream, but its finish gives you a dewy glow without being really
er, dewy. It absorbs super quickly but continues to look like a fresh
application all day, with all the luminosity that comes with. It felt so light
on my skin that it almost reminded me of a tinted moisturiser or BB sans the
greasy feeling many of them bring with them, and the SPF is a total bonus. Love
this stuff! I’ve just been playing with Givenchy’s new Teint Couture foundation
as well, so will update you soon…

Around this time last year super duper
talented - and extremely dashing! - New Zealand designer Adrian Hailwood
collaborated with Redken to create a killer limited edition vanity bag, and low
and behold - he’s done it again!

Following the huge success of last year’s collaboration
Hailwood has designed a limited edition vanity bag inspired by his latest
jewellery collection. The vanity case comes in classic black and features mesh
detailing and a luxe gold chain, which also doubles as a hanging hook for those
regulars travelers amongst us (and by god, Mr. Hailwood is one of those!).

The exotic logo showcased on the bag is
inspired by Hailwood’s Egypt collection - his first Northern Hemisphere
collection that was sold into Japan for the SS 2013 season this year. He says
that he “wanted to design something that was a little more Rock’n’Roll this
season, and it has come out just as I envisioned. I love it.”

Hailwood for Redken vanity bags are
available from September 30th - for a limited
time - from all Rodney Wayne and Shampoo’n’Things stores nationwide. Each bag
is complimentary with the purchase of any Redken shampoo and conditioner, and
as an added bonus, those that who receive the limited edition vanity bag this
year also get the chance to win 1 of 10 Hailwood necklaces valued at $330 each.

Last up, I have two of these beauties to
give away to some lucky Hailwood fans out there… just email helene@mshelene.com with your name and
courier address by this Friday at 5pm and you’re in the draw!

Friday, September 20, 2013

London Fashion Week is always famous for
designers who like to push the boat out a little, and the hair and beauty looks
that go with the collections are often equally as extreme. I love a good mad ‘do,
but I love a wearable, beautiful one more - and that’s exactly how I’d describe
the ones Neil Moodie for Moroccanoil created at Burberry.

“The name of the collection is English Rose,”
explained the Lead Stylist, “and this is why I decided to blow dry the hair in
a classic sleek but not poker straight style, as would be expected of an
English Rose but then I texturized and mattified it with Moroccanoil products to
give it an edgy, distressed look.”

For a how to at home try the following:

1. Start by preparing wet hair with Moroccanoil
Treatment as the essential foundation for styling and then apply Moroccanoil Frizz
Control to ensure a smooth blow dry.

2.Apply Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream
before blow-drying the hair to ensure the movement created by the blow dry holds
and to give it a more luxurious finish.

3. Blow dry with a natural centre parting,
creating some movement by flicking the ends under in a natural way. Moodie
achieved this classic blow dry style using various sizes of the Moroccanoil
Ionic Ceramic Round Brushes, for a hold that retained the natural movement.

4. When the body of the hair is complete, use
a Moroccanoil Ionic Ceramic Round Brush to blend stray hairs along the hairline
into the rest of the style.

5. Once the hair is dry, divide it into
sections and finish with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Medium and Moroccanoil
Volumizing Mousse to add texture and create a matte finish.

As someone who has played the blonde field on and off quite
a few times over the years I know that brass is most definitely the enemy. It’s
an enemy that sneaks up on you when you least it expect it, and it can turn a
glossy mane into a dulled mess before you know it.

The brassy tones that arrive after lightening hair are
caused by the chemicals ‘processing’ the hair and removing its natural pigment,
taking it through a number of colour changes before reaching the desired blonde
shade. Depending on the darkness of your hair to start with, bleaching will
first turn the hair red, orange and then yellow, before reaching blonde and platinum
tones. If the bleach is not left on the hair long enough to process all the way
to a light blonde (which in most cases is not recommended as this can damage and
dry out the hair), the hair may be left with some orange or yellow deposits,
known as brassiness.

But help is at hand - in the form of clever technique known
as colour neutralisation. To neutralise something means to ‘cancel it out’.
Hair colour neutralization works by incorporating colours opposite to one
another on the colour wheel to cancel out that colour in the hair.

Red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange and yellow are all
warm and brassy tones that are left in the hair as a result of bleaching.
Opposite these colours on the colour wheel are green, blue-green, blue,
blue-violet and violet. These are all classed as cool tones and will neutralise
or ‘cancel out’ the warm tones in the hair. Got it?

As well as toning your hair in salon you can get some great products
that will help enormously at home such as Wella SP Silver Blond. Using this
just a few times will dull down brassiness in the hair significantly and used
on a regular basis, once or twice a week, will continuously freshen up your
blonde shade and stop brassiness from reoccurring. It also works a treat on grey/white
hair, leaving strands gently cleansed and with brilliant shine.

Luckily I have two bottles of Wella SP Silver Blond (RRP
$34.00) to giveaway to some blonde friends out there. Just email me helene@mshelene.com with your name and
courier address before Thursday, September 26 at 5:00pm and you’re in the draw…
say bye bye to brass!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The last New York Fashion Week hair look that I seriously
fell in love with was created once again by Redken Creative Consultant Guido,
and came in the form of the sleek, sexy lengths at Ralph Lauren SS14.

He kept the hair free flowing and down this season to
reinforce the ultra-glam style of the collection, and to keep the highly
wearable look soft and light, Guido prepped the hair with satinwear 02 prepping
blow-dry lotion and finished with a drop of diamond oil shatterproof shine to
add richness and shine to the ends. "There was a departure this season
from the tradition low-ponytail that one has come to expect at this show,” said
the modern hair legend. “This season, I wanted to incorporate the 60s style
icons that have been so influential to Ralph Lauren throughout his fashion
career. I supposed the best descriptors for the hair would be nonchalant
glamour."

I’m mad for body oil and pretty much certified when it comes
to the scent of rose, so a marriage of the two is most definitely my favourite
body product at the moment!

It comes in the form of Weleda’s Wild Rose Body Oil, which
is a riot of wild rose and fair bursting with a subtle composition of antioxidant
rich plant oils including organic Macadamia Oil and Jojoba Oil. Commonly
referred to as the Musk Rose or Rosehip, the Wild Rose plant is made up of
thorny branches, white or pink blossoms and orange fruits (haws) containing the
precious Rosehip Seed Oil. Rich in antioxidants, it is comprised of Vitamins A
and E, helping to fight free radical damage and promote new cell growth.
Rosehip Seed Oil is also known for an exceptionally high amount of Linoleic and
Linolenic essential fatty acids, supporting the skin’s elasticity and keeping
it well nourished and happy.

Wild Rose Body Oil is subtle enough for everyday use but
potent enough to make a difference, and it’s the perfect choice if you’re
starting to shed the layers and get your bod ready for summer. You don’t need
much if you pop it on straight after a shower or bath, and the results will
linger all day. Love it.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Her debut collection for the brand sold out in what felt
like - and probably was - five seconds flat, so I’m guessing that when it hits
in a few weeks the RiRi Hearts M.A.C offering will go through the roof! And
with good reason as it’s a seriously wearable, covetable and totally damn
delicious lineup of prods all round.

Rihanna calls it her perfect “palette of lavish fall colour”,
and although it will be landing in the Southern Hemisphere during Spring time
it will fit right on in with what you will probably want to be wearing over the
silly season. It’s made up of a bunch of slightly cheeky yet classically
gorgeous shades, finishes and tools, all encased in the metallic warmth of celebratory
rose gold packaging. Lipsticks come in deep raisin-y plum (Talk That Talk),
orange frost (Who’s That Chick), creamy matte nude (the divine Nude, which I
need to get ASAP) and the vivid red of RiRi Woo (which I wore a lot during the
recent NZFW with minimal need for touch ups).

Eyes come in contrasting soft and smoky cocoas, whilst the
skin is all about rich luminosity highlighted with Diamonds Cream Colour Base
and Powder Blush in the absolutely beautifulBad Girl Gone Good for a warm
coppery, satin-finish. Powder Blush Duo Hibiscus Kiss is another winner that
may be more suited to those of porcelain complexions, made up of a cool coral
and matte neutral bronze.

Rihanna herself launched RiRi Hearts M.A.C in Hong Kong,
where all eyes were on her er, stylish cat’s eye! Word is it that it was the
work of M.A.C Liquid Eyeliner in Boot Black, which always goes on
super-smoothly, so you can make the ends of your liner winged as much as you
want. To do just that, pull your eyelid taut while you apply the liner along
your lashline and past the top outer corner of your eye, and follow the curve
going upward with the liner. If you want a super mega-winged look, draw the
liner farther out, like Miss Riri. Then, start at the outer corner to go back
in, and draw a thin line all the way to the inner corner. She kept things chic
and simple with gold shadow and multiple coats of mascara. Beautiful.

Last up, the collection hits stores in October - so not many
sleeps left at all!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Known officially as “crafted chaos” and inspired by the hair
metal giants of the ‘80s (awesome), the hair look at the Antonio Berardi, SS14
show crafted by Eugene Souleiman was seriously covetable. “Antonio’s collection
is incredibly chic with beautiful textured fabrics in body conscious and
diaphanous silhouettes,” explained Souleiman, Global Creative Director, Wella
Professionals. “At the fitting, I spotted some chic biker jackets which to me
epitomised the play between opulence and something a little rawer and this
inspired me to create a hair look that mixed beautifully crafted braids with a
harder, rawer, organic texture.”

The resulting hair loo, had an urban chic feel to it,
and was grounded more in music than fashion. “This look is about making
festival hair look chic, and takes its cues from popular culture, yet at the
same time the braids give the look an air of sophistication” added Eugene.

To Get the Look:

1. Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair,
using Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner, to ensure hair is in
perfect condition

3. When hair is dry, section off the top and front sections,
leaving an ‘under section’

4. Divide the under section in two down the middle and spray
Wella Professionals Perfect Setting to each section to add control when you
come to braid. Create two braids; starting flat to the scalp but pulling
the braid out so that it sits away from the ear

5. When the braids are complete, spray with a little Wella
Professionals Stay Styled Finishing Spray to the braids to keep them looking
sharp

6. Release the sectioned off hair and run
straightening irons through the hair, clamping the ends to prevent it from
looking too soft, then section by section starting at the underneath, pat Wella
Professionals Extra Volume Styling Mousse in to the roots of the hair, combing
each section through with a fine tooth comb

7. Continue this process all the way through to the front
section of hair – the mousse should give a feeling of separation and create a
‘satin wetness’ to the hair. Take a wide toothed comb and rake hair back,
creating a ‘rocker’ style effect

8. Pin the hair above the braid above each ear and dry the
mousse using a blow dryer diffuser, when ‘set’ release the pins, pulling one
braid forward and leaving the other to hang behind the shoulder

When I travelled to Europe recently my only real regret -
and associated moments of stress! - is that I decided against making room in my
suitcase for my ghd air. Most definitely ‘not just a hair dryer’, it is a
killer tool that has axed so much off my dry time and added so much more bounce
to my locks and now I know that I pretty much can’t live without it. Seriously.

Now I’m back home it’s getting full use once again, and I
just received news that ghd has launched its first professional diffuser to fit
the now-legendary air. Just in time for summer too, when we all are in the mood
for perfectly formed, frizz-free curls and beachy waves, but don’t always have
the time to spend hours trying to create them

Developed in conjunction with top stylists in the ghd family,
it is reportedly super easy to attach and features long, contoured fingers to
lift and separate the hair whilst maintaining a constant airflow to create
maximum volume and body. Per-fection.

The ghd air professional diffuser is available right now
from ghd salons or www.ghdhair.com.au for
a very reasonable NZD$30.00, and from now until 11 October it will be offered
as a complimentary gift with any ghd air purchase. If you don't have one yet
then I highly recommend that you check one out - ASAP.

Monday, September 16, 2013

As well as being one hell of a highlight collection-wise
when it came to the recent New York Fashion Week shows, I fell in love with
the hair created for Alexander Wang SS14 by Guido, Redken Creative
Consultant and general hair genius.

The look was amongst the most wearable of the week but
still stood out, and the stylist truly fused glamour with grunge to create
a nonchalant, yet sexy runway look that was totally Guido and also -
importantly - totally Wang. By adding thickening lotions and texturizers to
the hair, Guido created volume without altering the model's natural texture
with teasing or heat styling. "Overall it's a very sexy look this
season,” he said, “and I wanted the hair to reflect the cool, low-key
Alexander Wang type girl. I suppose there are equal parts grunge and
glamour, in that the hair is voluminous, yet natural."

Either way, I love it - and to get the look (you know
you want to) follow these simple steps:

Friday, September 13, 2013

Chic seaside glamour, above and below the
water, captured the imagination of Badgley Mischka at New York Fashion Week
this year and Moroccanoil runway stylist Peter Gray was given the job of
creating a killer hair look to match this brief. Jacque Henri Lartigue's black
and white seaside photography of the 20s and 30s met the designer's pastel take
on evening looks inspired by modern mermaids, and Gray lent an equally clear
modern vision to proceedings. The elegant styles highlight smoother, softer
waves, flattering textured hair rolls across the nape of the neck, and a
sophisticated contrast of glossy (top and side waves) and dry/semi-matte
textures (on the hair rolls).

How the Look Was Created:

1. “I started with a small hidden horizontal
braid at the nape of the neck to serve as a base for pinning the rolled hair in
place.”

2. “I then applied a small amount of
Moroccanoil Treatment Light mid length to ends as the foundation for styling,
and followed with the new Moroccanoil Root Boost (available in 2014) sprayed in
and combed through section by section. Moroccanoil Treatment helps condition
and smooth the hair and protect it from the heat of the curling irons.

3. "Next I used Moroccanoil Root Boost (available
in 2014) to push the hair away from the scalp to ensure a three dimensional
wave. It creates a semi-matte look and helps to create texture on the ends.”

4. “After rough drying the hair, I used
Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong and set the hair using a 1-1/2” curling
iron from nape to above the ear and pinned the curls vertically in opposite
directions to create a soft textured movement. The hair through the front and
sides was set vertically in the same direction and clipped.”

5. “I then combed out each section followed by
a skinny brush, to create a smooth, glossy surface through the top and front
wave area.”

6. “I rolled the hair lengths into a small,
loose horizontal roll at the nape of the neck and used u-pins to attach the
length of roll to the braided base underneath.”

7. “Finally, I sprayed a bit of Moroccanoil
Glimmer Shine Spray on my palms and applied to the surface of the hair for a
glossy finish on the top and sides.”

Thursday, September 12, 2013

I love a good job title, and one of the best I’ve heard
lately is Maybelline New York’s latest appointment - Maribeth Madron (pictured)
for the role of ‘Global Eyebrow Expert’.

The lady comes with some serious credentials - a veritable
Arch Angel if ever there was one - and over twenty years in the business of
building better brows. Maribeth is consistently ranked at the top of her field
– Allure magazine has singled her out as being the “Best of Brows” seven times
in a row and she’s been included twice in Vogue magazine’s prestigious beauty
listing “The Guide” for her eyebrow expertise. Her work has appeared on The
Today Show, Good Morning America, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View,
Access Hollywood, the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards to name just a few, and
in the pages of Vanity Fair, Vogue, Allure, Marie Claire (UK) and Harper’s
Bazaar (HK). Lady knows her stuff - nice work Maybelline, can’t wait to see
what magic they cook up together!

Despite the fact that it’s hosing down outside, I’m already
dreaming of summer its associated fare like salads, fresh fruit and long, cool
drinks in the sun. Coconut water will inevitably play a big role too, and my
absolute fave is still C. I swear I get through bucketloads of the stuff and
love finding new ways to use it in the likes of salads and smoothies.

So… in honour of all of the above, here is a summery,
deliciously good recipe to get you feeling the tropical vibe - Cucumber and C Coconut
Water Salad.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 1/2
cup)

4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, cut into thirds
crosswise

1 cup unsweetened large-flaked coconut

2 tablespoons C Coconut Water

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

2 teaspoons sugar, plus more for seasoning

Coarse salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place onion in a bowl of ice water. Let onion stand 10
minutes, then drain.

2. Thinly slice cucumbers lengthwise with a handheld slicer
or peeler and place in a large bowl.

By Helene Ravlich

About the author:

Helene Ravlich is a freelance writer based in Auckland, New Zealand. A self-confessed beauty fanatic with over fifteen years in the business of writing about all things pretty and beautiful, she has a passion for organic formulations and high performance skincare and is constantly on the search for THE perfect red lipstick. Mum to eight year old whirlwind Wolf, she has written for magazines, websites and newspapers in New Zealand and internationally and loves music, dogs and a good red wine.

Copyright Notice:

The work on PB is copyright. Apart from use permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised without the permission of Helene Ravlich, 2009.

Disclaimer:

Pretty Beautiful claims no credit for the images or magazine content featured on the blog and operates on the understanding that if we receive any complaints about the use of content or images they will be removed. To request the removal of content or images please email helene@mshelene.com